Other conditions decisions — 2007

The Board denied the veteran's claims for service connection for swollen lymph nodes and a skin disorder other than his service-connected prurigo, finding no competent medical evidence of current conditions related to military service or herbicide exposure.

The Board found that the veteran's thoracic spine disability existed prior to her entry into service and did not increase in severity during service. As a result, it was determined that the current disability is not related to service.

The Board has determined that the veteran's loss of vision in his right eye was not caused by VA carelessness, negligence, or lack of proper skill. The event leading to this disability (a hemorrhage due to macular degeneration) was not reasonably foreseeable.

The Board has determined that the veteran does not have a current eye disorder, cold injury to his fingers, or pulmonary disorder as a result of service. Therefore, the claims for these conditions are denied.

The Board has remanded the case for further development to verify the appellant's service under claimed names.

The Board has remanded the case for further development and adjudication, including scheduling a VA medical examination to determine the current nature and severity of the veteran's service-connected bilateral leg stress fractures.

The Board denied service connection for residuals of a right hand injury and denied increased ratings for the veteran's right knee retropatellar pain syndrome and initial rating in excess of 20 percent for his right hip strain.

The Board has determined that the veteran does not have a current right inguinal hernia or gastrointestinal disorder related to his military service. The claims are denied.

The Board found that the appellant and the veteran did not have a valid common law marriage after their divorce in 1999, and therefore denied her claim for recognition as the surviving spouse.

The Board has ordered additional development to determine if the veteran was exposed to radiation or asbestos during his military service, which could potentially grant service connection for the cause of death. The case is currently remanded for further investigation and evidence collection.

The Board has determined that the veteran's current eye disorders, including right eye amblyopia and macular degeneration, are not related to his active military service. The claim for service connection is denied.

The Board denied service connection for a disability manifested by leg cramps, finding that the veteran's complaints were not related to his active duty service and did not meet the criteria for service connection due to undiagnosed illness.

The Board determined that the veteran's atypical psychosis did not meet the criteria for an evaluation in excess of 30 percent prior to December 22, 2006.

The Board granted an earlier effective date of September 15, 1977 for the award of service connection for ulcerative colitis. The veteran's former attorney is entitled to 20% of past-due benefits resulting from this decision.

The veteran died in June 2001. The appellant submitted a VA Form 21-534 for DIC benefits on April 28, 2003, which is the earliest effective date available given that no prior claim was filed within one year of the veteran's death.

The Board found that the veteran's service-connected anxiety disorder did not substantially or materially contribute to his cause of death, which was cardiac arrest due to hypertensive cardiovascular disease. The gastroenterology and cardiology specialists concluded that the veteran's anxiety disorder had some effect on his health but was unlikely as a primary cause of his death.

The Board has determined that the appellant does not have qualifying service as a veteran and therefore is not eligible for VA benefits.

The veteran's attorney has challenged a December 2001 decision regarding the amount withheld from past-due benefits and the amount of the attorney's fees. The case is being remanded for further action, including scheduling a Travel Board hearing.

The veteran is seeking service connection for squamous cell carcinoma of the right tonsil, which he claims is due to his exposure to Agent Orange during military service. The claim will be remanded for further examination and analysis.

The Board found that the veteran's service-connected crush injury to the first and second toes of the left foot does not warrant a rating higher than the current 20 percent, as it did not meet the criteria for severe disability.